The United States Embassy in Kingston today (December 7) awarded 29 impactful individuals and organisations, for their contributions to the growth and development of Jamaica, during its annual Stakeholder Appreciation and Recognition Awards ceremony at the AC Hotel in St Andrew.

The award recipients were recognised for their achievements in areas such as of health, trade, security and volunteerism.

Bobby Adelson Jr, public affairs officer at the US Embassy, said: “This year we are happy to hand out 29 awards to individuals and organisations who have been vital partners with the United States to ensure that we can receive positive bilateral results in areas from policy to education, to security, private sector and democracy.”

He further noted that the aim of the awards ceremony is to recognise the service of individuals who have partnered with the US Embassy, not just in the Corporate Area but from all across the island.

Among the list of awardees for the day was Stephen Price, the vice president and general manager of Flow, who received the Spotlight Award for his contribution to assisting the US Embassy meet its goals for digital connectivity, law enforcement and export promotion.

Price, speaking with Our Today, said: “I am absolutely proud at how this core of US Embassy staff have chosen to integrate themselves in the Jamaican society. We have key partnerships that we work on, telecom sector and otherwise. I am really proud and happy with the relationship I’ve built over time with Joe James, who is the economic liaison officer. He works well with us at Flow, and we are just happy to a part of it and to be recognised.”

Communications specialist Stacy-Ann Smith and public relations expert Michelle-Ann Letman were also presented with the Spotlight Award for their initiative in raising awareness around gender-based violence and providing avenues to persons dealing with the issue.

Smith said: “It’s absolutely wonderful, when you feel passionate about something, and you put in the work, you collaborate, and you execute. You do see the impact, but I never expect this kind of recognition and it’s absolutely amazing.”

Jodi-Ann Quarrie, chief executive officer at the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Jamaica, was also presented, alongside AmCham President Ann-Dawn Young Sang, with the Partnership Impact Award for the Chamber’s contribution in assisting the US Embassy with trade relations and increasing cybersecurity in Jamaica.

“The American Chamber of Commerce of Jamaica is really grateful to be recognised by the US Embassy for the work that we have done and the continued partnership we have had over the past few years. We continue that partnership in 2023 and we are glad to be recognised,” said Quarrie.

The Stakeholder Appreciation and Recognition Awards, which was started in 2018, is aimed at providing recognition to the US Embassy programme partners who have made contributions in their fields and foster an environment for new ideas.

READ: PHOTOS | The US Embassy’s Stakeholder Appreciation and Recognition Award ceremony

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